BADGE – Kiln Loading, Firing & Maintenance
May 8 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
In this two-hour session, members will learn the essential skills to operate and maintain basic electric kilns at Make Santa Fe. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced ceramist looking to refine your firing techniques, this class will empower you to confidently bring your projects to life.
*This badge class is required for any member wishing to reserve kilns at Make Santa Fe but is not required for members’ work to be fired in community kiln batches.
What You Will Learn
- Safe Operation: Master the safety procedures necessary to operate kilns without risk to yourself or others.
- Technical Skills: Gain hands-on experience with starting, monitoring, and concluding a firing cycle.
- Maintenance Know-How: Learn how to perform regular maintenance and troubleshoot common kiln issues to ensure longevity and optimal performance.
- Efficient Practices: Understand how to effectively prepare and load a kiln to maximize the quality of your ceramic pieces.
- Firing Consistency: Develop consistency in your firings to ensure that piece after piece looks the same.
Class Outline
- Introduction to Kiln Safety – Understand the risks and safety protocols associated with kiln use.
- Types of Kilns – Overview of the different kilns available at Make Santa Fe and their specific uses.
- Preparing the Kiln – Step-by-step guidance on preparing the kiln for firing, including loading techniques and the importance of kiln shelves.
- Kiln Operation – Detailed instructions on operating the kilns, setting temperatures, and monitoring the firing process.
- Maintenance and Troubleshooting – Routine maintenance checks, identifying common issues and how to address them.
- Unloading and Post-Firing Cleanup – Best practices for unloading the kiln and cleaning up to maintain a safe and efficient working environment.
$85.00
